This Avon animal rescue saves everything but cats and dogs

A Critter's Chance is a rescue organization specializing in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They say they "save everything but cats and dogs."
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

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Kelly Thomas sits with cockatoos Simon (in her lap) and Molly, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The birds are boarding at the farm while their owner looks for a new home. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar)Buy Photo

On a sunny fall morning, Kelly Thomas introduces her “family” at her home in Avon. Gambit, the 200-pound pot-bellied pig, moseys out of his shelter and makes a beeline for the chicks’ feed outside their large shed. Max, an orange-eyed arctic fox, runs to his pen's fence to greet Thomas with a lick; she scratches his ears.

Zsa Zsa, Vegan and Veggie, three large sibling Yorkshire pigs, grunt and bolt toward Thomas. Their mother died in childbirth; now Thomas is their primary caretaker, talking sweetly to them and throwing them pumpkins for a treat.

They're all cared for through A Critter’s Chance, founded in 2006 by Michelle Manker, who took in all kinds of animals and rehabbed wildlife. When she died in 2013, the volunteers had a hard time keeping the organization going. Thomas joined A Critter’s Chance that year; she's now the vice president. She, along with president Amanda Nosie, and the volunteers know there is a great need in Indiana for a place to take in animals other than cats and dogs.

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Zsa Zsa enjoys the fall weather at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar)

All over the state, exotic pets, even farm animals, Thomas said, are being neglected and abused, and confiscated from owners. Regular shelters are don't have the proper food, space, nor expertise to take in these animals. There are not many shelters like A Critter's Chance around to help either.

Many of the animals live permanently at Thomas' home, while others are being fostered. A Critter's Chance is a 5013c organization, operating on donations and grants. They advocate for animals across Indiana, find adoptive homes for them, and educate people.

“It’s just ongoing,” Thomas said. “Things need fixed all the time, there's a constant need of food, hay and straw, especially with winter coming up. It’s crazy. There’s so much that we need to get done to prepare for winter."

Thomas stopped to think as she listed the animals being cared for through A Critter’s Chance: goats, pot-bellied pigs, farm pigs, a miniature horse, a ram, turkeys, chickens, pheasants, peacocks.

Kelly Thomas pets Gambit, a pot-bellied pig, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar)

“We get a lot of pot-bellied pigs,” says Thomas. “People think they are buying little mini teacup pigs but really they’re just buying a baby pig that grows up to be really big.”
(Red flag: If a breeder won't show the parents of the adopted pig, beware.)

This time of year, chickens are commonly surrendered. Their owners get overwhelmed, unable to keep up with feeding and cleaning, and letting eggs continue to hatch. Recently, Thomas took in almost 45 chickens from Indianapolis Animal Care & Control. Many were featherless, their wing bones exposed. When the birds are kept in such small areas, they tend to peck each other. Roosters especially will attack and peck feathers off. Feathers will grow back, fortunately.

Some animals aren't adoptable, like foxes. Sold as pups (foxes are legal to breed in Indiana), they're cute. However, they smell, even when neutered, emanating a distinct skunky odor.

“They pee on everything. They pee in their water, on their food, on their toys, because they are very territorial,” Thomas added. And they bond with one or two people, so the foxes will attack others. They will bite or maybe even kill smaller animals, dogs, cats, birds.

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Felix, a red fox, is bathed in sunshine, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas sits with cockatoos Simon (in her lap) and Molly, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The birds are boarding at the farm while their owner looks for a new home. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Marley, a red fox, peeks out of a tube in his habitat, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Rhyme, a white peacock, is highlighted by sunshine at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Felix, a red fox, sits on a perch of straw, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas pets an umbrella cockatoo named Simon, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The bird is boarding at the farm while his owner looks for a new home. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas pets and visits with Molly, cockatoo, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A pig goes for a pumpkin treat at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Olaf, a little silkie rooster, is highlighted by the sunshine, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Felix, a red fox, looks around his habitat, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Marley, a red fox, peeks out of a tube at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Marley, a red fox, peeks out of a tube to play at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Marley, a red fox, peeks out of a tube at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Marley, a red fox, peeks out of a tube to play with Kelly Thomas at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Marley, a red fox, peeks around a toy at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Marley, a red fox, peeks around some toys at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Max, an arctic fox, checks his surroundings, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Broiler hens get some exercise at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Tamaki, a grey fox, peeks out from a box in his habitat, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Gambit, a pot bellied pig, hangs out with a broiler hen at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Gambit, a pot bellied pig, hangs out with a broiler hen, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas reaches out to pet a broiler hen chick, as Gambit, a pot bellied pig, joins them at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Reason, a white peacock, walks around checking out new arrivals at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Reason, a white peacock, checks out a new arrival, a broiler hen chick, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Rhyme and Reason, white peacocks, check out new arrivals, broiler hens, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A ram enjoys the sunshine at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas visits with a ram at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Helena had been an abused chicken before coming to A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN. She is seen here, in one of the barns, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A large bunch of hens and roosters came from Animal Control, to A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., seen Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. Some of the birds had been kept in such small places that they pecked at themselves or attacked each other, causing them to lose feathers. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Sheldon, a tortoise, wears a license plate on his shell, as he has gotten out before, from where he lives, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., seen here, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas holds a broiler hen at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. This and other birds came to the rescue farm from Animal Control. A Critter's Chance is a 501c3 organization specializing in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Broiler hens come out into the sunshine for some exercise, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A pig smiles for a photo and greeting, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas pets a full-sized muntjac, named Taco, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The small deer lives in the house, when not in the garage hanging out with other animals, and he is litter trained. This is the smallest breed of deer. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas talks to Molly, a Moluccan cockatoo, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The bird is boarding at the farm while her owner looks for a new home. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas talks to Simon, an umbrella cockatoo, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The bird is boarding at the farm while her owner looks for a new home. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Simon, an umbrella cockatoo, sits on Kelly Thomas' shoulder at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The bird is boarding at the farm while his owner is looking for a new home. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas pets a Moluccan cockatoo, Molly, who sits on her shoulder, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The bird is boarding at the farm while her owner looks for a new home. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Zsa Zsa, Vegan and Veggie, not necessarily in that order, play and enjoy a pumpkin treat at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas grabs a bale of straw for some of the animals, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Gambit, a pot bellied pig, rolls over as Kelly Thomas rubs his tummy, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Gerard, a golden pheasant, was found as a stray before coming to A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Gerard, a golden pheasant, was found as a stray before coming to A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kelly Thomas is followed by chicks as she checks on some animals at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

“For hundreds of years they have been trying to domesticate foxes,” Thomas said. “And they just can’t do it.” At A Critter's Chance, foxes get big enclosures, toys, and lots of things to keep them stimulated.

But many of the animals are adoptable. A lot of time with animal rescues, the rescuer needs to be rescued. But Thomas knows her limit, saying her farm is full. She can't take any other animals unless some get adopted. However, the organization can still take some animals, and A Critter's Chance workers can give advice and guidance.

During the winter months, Thomas hauls buckets because hoses are frozen, breaks ice in the pig trough, keeps ducks in fresh water. “I get bit every day by something,” she quipped.

She knows all the animals' names and their personalities. “They’re no different than humans. They have best friends. A chicken will have her best friend and she’ll have one that she just doesn’t get along with no matter what they do. They’ll just bicker.” Rabbits and pigs are the same way.

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Broiler hens come out into the sunshine for some exercise, at A Critter's Chance in Avon, IN., Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. The 501c3 organization specializes in exotic/domestic pet rescue. They take in everything but cats and dogs.(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar)

Looking out at the farm, she said, “They learn to like each other and they respect each other. They know who belongs here, and they don’t fight, all the different species. They get along fine, and if they don’t at first, they end up working it out."

Many of rescued animals were emaciated and injured when they came to her farm. They've been abused or treated horribly, and they're overly aggressive. But with proper care and housing, she sees them come through to the other side - healthy, happy, sweet, funny.

“They come from being so terrified and scared, and even mean, to having a really nice personality,” she said. "They feel safe here."